PHL solar car evolution: From 'Sinag' to 'Sikat II'

The Philippines' latest solar powered racer, Sikat II, features a more aerodynamic design, more efficient solar panels, and weighs lighter than its predecessors, Sikat I and Sinag.

In 2009, the Philippine Solar Car Society and the De La Salle University led the design of Sikat I but the car did not compete and was only used in a nationwide road show to promote the country's bid for this year's solar car race.

In 2007, Sinag – the country’s first solar car – pulled a surprise finish, placing 12th in a field of 40 racers from countries such as the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

Sinag was heavier at 290 kilograms and had a solar array that was two percentage points less efficient than Sikat II’s.

Sikat II runs on a 1.8-kilowatt motor and has top speed of 110 kilometers per hour (kph).

Here are the other technical specifications of the three solar powered cars shown side-by-side, in table-form in this infographic. — MRT/LBG, GMA News